It’s no secret that Manchester United still need to bring in a striker this summer. Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s great form for this weekend’s opponents Everton, could he prove to be the striker United are looking for?
For starters, he fits the bill when it comes to the type of player Ole Solskjaer looks for; British, young and hungry to play football.
His form for Everton has surprised many and has led to calls for him to be in the England squad this summer.
This season alone he has already doubled his best ever Premier League scoring record and is one of the first names on Ancelotti’s team sheet. The pick of his goals being the overhead kick at the Emirates last weekend.
With Odion Ighalo only here on loan and in his 30s, it is unlikely he’ll be seen as a long-term option. It remains to be seen if the loan deal will be made permanent.
Calvert-Lewin is still only 22, has now proven his worth in the Premier League and could supplement Rashford and Martial nicely. It would certainly help take some of the burden off of Mason Greenwood and avoid burnout of another young player.
The young forward is strong in the air and gave Victor Lindelöf real problems at Old Trafford. He’s a different type of striker to what we have and that makes him interesting.
Adding another young, exciting Englishman to United’s attack can only be a positive, and he has pedigree to as part of the Three Lions World Cup under-20 winning squad in 2017..
Could the £50m fee prove a problem?
It has been reported by the Express that a number of current United players rate him and would be happy to see him as part of the squad.
The stumbling block, as can be the case with most transfers these days, is the price. The reports suggest Everton want £50m and that could easily rise. They are not going to want to part with their prize possession so easily, especially when they are at a time of rebuild.
The other question is the player himself. Whilst the lure of United will always be large, is he going to be happy being third choice? And to leave a coach held in such high regard as Ancelotti?
United may need to secure Champions League football to make him consider pushing for a move.
This weekend could very well be his dress rehearsal. United scouts and coaching staff will be watching intently. As will the fans.
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